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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2016–Feb 17th, 2016

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kootenay Boundary.

Check out our latest Forecaster's Blog for information on recent close calls and advice on how to manage the current conditions.

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: A mixed bag... Possibly 5-10 cm at higher elevations with the odd sunny break. The freezing level peaks above 2000 m. Ridge winds are light from the SE. Thursday: Cooler but still variable. Some light snow and sunny breaks are possible. The freezing level lowers to 1500-1600 m and winds are moderate from the SW. Friday: More of the same. Flurries and sunny breaks. The freezing level hovers around 1400-1500 m and winds are light.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous size 1-2 natural, skier-controlled, and explosive controlled slab avalanches were reported on Monday. These slabs were reported on all aspects, and were mainly on slopes above 1800-1900 m. Below 1800 m there were reports of a size 1-1.5 loose wet sluffs on sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

35-60 cm of recent storm snow sits on a supportive crust at and below treeline, a breakable crust on south-facing slopes in the alpine, buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain, or old wind affected surfaces. Moderate south-southwest winds have created fresh dense wind slabs on exposed leeward slopes. Periods of sun may have also resulted in moist snow or a sun crust on south-facing slopes. A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 100 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 80-130 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.